The act of vaping involves inhalation of an aerosol, or vapor, created by e-cigarettes or similar devices, often referred to as ‘vapes’ or ‘JUULs’. These devices function by heating a liquid material until it turns into vapor and is able to be inhaled into the lungs. One should not be fooled by the terminology to describe this act as what is inhaled from these devices is far from regular water vapor. Aerosols emitted by vapes can contain various chemicals such as nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol, and cannabinoid. Much of why vaping is harmful is because of these chemicals.

Since vaping fluid contains nicotine, a substance known to be addictive, it may cause the user to frequently crave vaping and if these cravings are ignored, the user will experience withdrawal symptoms. In addition to causing addictions, nicotine can cause spikes in adrenaline and heighten blood pressure, increasing the chance of going into cardiac arrest. The presence of nicotine is this fluid is responsible, in part, for many e-cigarette users becoming full time smokers, smoking combustables (traditional cigars, cigarettes, etc.).

Other chemicals existing in vapes can also be very harmful to health, such as ammonia found in some vapes, having the potential to induce asthma attacks, irritate the lungs, and negatively affect the central nervous system. Tar, released by marijuana vapes, put the user at risk of getting cancer. Vape fluids with a high concentration of THC can intoxicate the user and harm brain cells, resulting in poor memory and cognitive skills.